Only a few days had passed since she sent the letter to Peng Ruo when Fukang'an returned. She had originally thought that Fukang'an would request an imperial decree, and that even if he was delayed on the road, he would return around the New Year. But seeing him like this, it seemed he had defied the imperial decree and returned to the capital.
Yan Ning wondered, "Why not ask the Emperor for permission?"
A hint of helplessness flickered in Fukang'an's eyes, a subtle glint that vanished as soon as it appeared. He said calmly, "If we were to request an imperial decree, all the civil and military officials would know. What was originally a family matter has turned into a struggle for the throne among the four princes!"
Family matters? Is it about her causing him to lose face?
Yan Ning lifted herself off Fukang'an's shoulder and looked at his relaxed face. Unable to contain herself any longer, she asked, "Did Mother and Second Brother tell you why they trapped me and the child here? Did you secretly believe those things?"
In just a moment, Fukang'an's previously somewhat slumped back tensed up, like a taut bowstring, ready to be released.
Thick curtains hung at the window frames, lest the cold wind blow on Yan Ning and the two children. The sun was high in the sky, but the curtains kept out the chilly sunlight. Inside, a dying candle flickered, casting a dim, gloomy light on the room.
Fukang'an was dressed in a servant's uniform made of ordinary brown cloth. His heroic spirit was hidden between his brows, and although a smile curved his lips, it could not dispel the wrinkles between his eyebrows and eyes.
This side of Fukang'an made Yan Ning feel much more distant, and she lowered her eyes, not daring to look directly into his dark and silent eyes. Fukang'an pulled Yan Ning into his arms and said in a calm tone, "Your health hasn't been good lately, and with winter here, it's better for you to stay indoors!"
From Fukang'an's unremarkable words, Yan Ning couldn't tell whether he believed the rumors. Unwilling to give up, and unwilling to have her feelings misplaced, she asked, "You actually believed those rumors, didn't you?"
Fukang'an's hand on Yan Ning's shoulder froze, and his tone turned slightly angry. "If you ask me this, I feel that I have made a pointless trip! Mother's actions were certainly inappropriate, but I am just as curious as she is about why my wife would risk the life of the child in her womb to see Heshen!"
Yan Ning rested her head against Fu Kang'an's chest. She couldn't see Fu Kang'an's face at that moment, but she could tell from his somewhat cold words that he was angry.
She didn't want to deceive the old lady, and even less did she want to deceive him; otherwise, she would have no excuse whatsoever. She could only remain silent and bury her head even deeper against Fukang'an's chest.
Fukang'an released Yan Ning, pinched her chin, and forced her to look him in the eye. His tone was icy, and he asked clearly, "Ever since Zhao Xing sent you back to the capital ahead of schedule, you have been associating too closely with Heshen, even bringing Heshen's maid into my Fucha residence! Yan Ning, I don't know how many more things you are hiding from me!"
Yan Ning was stunned, her body going limp as she collapsed onto the bed, her chin gripped tightly by Fu Kang'an. She winced in pain, her brows furrowing. Fu Kang'an still stared at her coldly, waiting for her to explain. It felt as if towering mountains were pressing down on Yan Ning, making her feel increasingly weak and powerless.
Perhaps she was hungry, Yunwan began to cry, her childish sobs tinged with weakness. Fukang'an was moved and released her grip, causing Yan Ning to collapse onto the bed.
Fukang'an walked to the cradle, looking at the two sleeping children, his heart calming down somewhat. He stood with his back to Yan Ning, his tone regaining its composure, "The situation in the capital is currently unpredictable. Heshen and the Fifteenth Prince have developed a rift. Although Lord Ji Yun and Lord Liu Yong have not explicitly sided with the Fifteenth Prince, everyone in the court can see it! Seeing the disparity in power among the civil officials, the princes have made the military officials the most important!"
He didn't know why he told Yan Ning all this; he had hoped that she could live peacefully in the Fucha Mansion and enjoy the wealth and luxury he had brought her.
His Majesty is getting old, and the princes are secretly plotting to seize the throne. Although there is a decree of succession in the past, since it has not been announced to the world, they could all become someone else, just like the two crown princes who died young.
The Fucha and Agui families are not close to the four princes. Therefore, if they cannot be won over, eliminating them would prevent future troubles. Yan Ning is currently the subject of constant rumors in the capital with Heshen and Yongyan, and she has also borne Fucha Fukang'an a son and a daughter. Among the remaining three princes, there must be one who wants to take advantage of her.
Although Fukang'an was in Jilin, he was fully aware of the situation in the capital and was even more worried about Yan Ning's predicament. Wasn't Fukang'an's instigation of the old lady to get rid of Yan Ning precisely to eliminate future troubles?
As he pondered, a pair of soft hands encircled his waist, and a gentle voice came from behind his clothes. "Fukang'an, before, there was only you in my heart. Now, there are three! Our relationship has come to this point. If you want me to say anything more, I will only say, 'Let us drink wine and grow old together. Let us play music and enjoy peace and tranquility.'"
Fukang'an was deeply moved. He held Yan Ning's hand tightly, "I am your husband, and I would give my life for you no matter what. While I am away, Mother, you must ensure the peace and tranquility of my household!"
He was no longer the Fukang'an that Yan Ning had first met. Three years had passed, pushing him into the vortex of power. All he wanted was to withdraw unscathed and remain untouched by any faction.
Yan Ning also felt a pang of regret. As Fukang'an's wife, her every move was no longer just about herself, but also about the reputation and survival of the Fucha family and Fukang'an.
The guards at Jian Gong Zhai were more numerous than before, and apart from Yan Ning's personal maids Zhu Lan Ju San Xiang, no other servants were allowed to enter.
Yan Ning had someone fetch Fukang'an's usual robe and personally helped him change into it. After Dexuan and Yunwan were taken away by the wet nurse, Fukang'an had been busy and worried about Yan Ning and the children for several days. Now that everything seemed to be safe and sound, he ate a simple meal and fell into a deep sleep.
The night was dark, and the gauze curtains on the carved wooden bed hung low. By the dim candlelight, Yan Ning looked at Fukang'an lying beside her. Months had passed, and his face showed signs of age. Fukang'an's eyes were closed. Yan Ning reached out to touch his face, but he immediately grabbed her hand with lightning speed. Before Yan Ning's surprised lips could part, he had already risen.
In the room lit by only one candle, Fukang'an's sharp eyes were extremely frightening, gleaming like a cold eagle on the grassland.
Noticing the soft object trembling in his hand, Fukang'an turned to look at Yan Ning, his face filled with guilt. "I thought I had hurt you while camping in the forest?"
Yan Ning shook her head. The pain in her wrist was nothing compared to the pain in her heart. Wasn't Fukang'an's condition also her fault? She said softly, "Sleep a little longer, it's still early before dawn!"
Fukang'an nodded and pulled Yan Ning down to lie on his back. He looked at her and sighed softly, "I really want to take you and the child with me!"
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